Site Operations Manager

Manpower UK; Workington; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package within UK

Job summary

Manpower UK is seeking an experienced Site Operations Manager to lead two production areas in a busy, highly regulated manufacturing environment in Cumbria. You will report to the Plant General Manager and shape the site leadership team, driving safety, culture, and measurable improvements.

Relocation support within the UK is provided for suitable candidates, with the Lake District lifestyle on offer. You will coach managers, deliver budgets, and push continuous improvement across operations.

Qualifications

• Senior operations management experience within manufacturing.
• Experience in packaging, printing, extrusion, plastics, FMCG, food, or process manufacturing.
• Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen experience.
• SAP knowledge.
• Experience managing large teams through direct and indirect reports.
• Strong operational and financial management capability.
• Experience delivering change and transformation initiatives.
• Proven track record of improving productivity and site performance.
• Strong leadership and people development skills.
• Experience in highly regulated manufacturing environments.
• Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Science or related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day manufacturing operations across multiple production areas.
• Deliver budgets relating to output, labour costs, waste reduction, and capital expenditure.
• Drive improvements in efficiency, productivity, quality and cost performance.
• Ensure production plans meet customer demand.
• Monitor and improve KPIs such as output, waste, overtime, downtime, and delivery performance.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or similar methodologies.
• Support operational transformation projects and site improvements.
• Develop, coach, and mentor managers and supervisors.
• Promote a positive, high-performing culture focused on safety, accountability, and teamwork.
• Maintain compliance with Health, Safety, Environmental, and Quality standards.
• Work closely with senior leadership to support strategic business objectives and long-term site success.

Skills

Leadership

Operational management

Continuous improvement

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Kaizen

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Degree in Engineering / Manufacturing / Science

Tools

SAP

Job description

Site Operations Manager - Cumbia

Relocation Package avialable within UK

Are you an experienced manufacturing leader who thrives on driving operational performance, developing teams, and delivering continuous improvement?

We are seeking a Site Operations Manager to take responsibility for two critical production areas within a busy and highly regulated manufacturing environment. Reporting to the Plant General Manager and forming part of the Site Leadership Team, this position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on operational performance, culture, safety, and future growth. This role would suit an ambitious Operations Manager who enjoys leading change, coaching people, improving processes, and delivering measurable business results.

For candidates based elsewhere in the UK, a robust relocation package is available, making this an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to advance their career while enjoying the lifestyle benefits of the Lake District region.

The Role

As Site Operations Manager, you will lead day-to-day manufacturing operations, ensuring production targets, quality standards, safety requirements, and financial objectives are consistently achieved.

You will manage through a team of Production Managers while maintaining a strong presence across the shop floor, driving engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the operation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing operations across multiple production areas.
• Deliver operational budgets relating to output, labour costs, waste reduction, and capital expenditure.
• Drive improvements in efficiency, productivity, quality, and cost performance.
• Ensure production plans are executed effectively to meet customer demand.
• Monitor and improve key operational KPIs including output, waste, overtime, downtime, and delivery performance.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or similar methodologies.
• Support operational transformation projects and future site improvements.
• Develop, coach, and mentor managers and supervisors to build a strong talent pipeline.
• Promote a positive, high-performing culture focused on safety, accountability, and teamwork.
• Maintain compliance with Health, Safety, Environmental, and Quality standards.
• Work closely with senior leadership to support strategic business objectives and long-term site success.

About You

You will be an experienced manufacturing professional with a proven track record of leading teams and delivering operational improvements in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Experience

• Senior Operations Management experience within manufacturing.
• Packaging, printing, extrusion, plastics, FMCG, food, or process manufacturing experience.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Kaizen experience.
• SAP knowledge.
• Experience managing large teams through direct and indirect reports.
• Strong operational and financial management capability.
• Experience delivering change and transformation initiatives.
• Proven track record of improving productivity, efficiency, and overall site performance.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and people development skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Experience working within highly regulated manufacturing environments.
• Degree qualification in Engineering, Manufacturing, Science, or a related discipline.

What's on Offer?

• Excellent Salary, with flexibility for the right candidate.
• Opportunity to join a site undergoing operational change and investment.
• Strategic leadership role with significant influence across the business.
• Scope to lead continuous improvement and transformational projects.
• A people-focused environment that values leadership, coaching, and collaboration.
• Genuine opportunity to shape the future direction of site operations.

Working Pattern

Cumbria- Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week, with flexibility required to support operational and business needs.

If you are a driven Operations Manager with a passion for leadership, continuous improvement, and manufacturing excellence, we would love to hear from you.

If you receive suspicious outreach claiming to be from us, please contact us via the ManpowerGroup website.